Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) Reading Order

Bucky Barnes is one of the most fascinating characters to develop in the modern Marvel Universe, growing from oft-referenced Golden Age relic to an all-new Winter Soldier.

Bucky’s growth into the Winter Soldier both rejunivated the Captain America comics (with Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting at the creative helm) and Marvel Cinematic Universe’s served as the source material for some of the best films.

Below you’ll find a guide to all eras of Bucky comics, from his golden age turn as Marvel’s first sidekick through his many modern paths as Winter Soldier.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out in the comments below. As always, enjoy the comics!

Bucky’s golden age appearances alternate outside of the main Cap title in All-Winners Comics, and the more teen focused Young Allies. As always, these Golden Age comics are more for readers invested in the historical growth of comics. You don’t need all these 40’s issues to understand the more modern Winter Soldier aspects of the characters, other than understanding that Bucky and Cap were totally in World War II together.

Bucky Barnes and the Invaders

In actuality, the first Avengers comics from Jack Kirby and Stan Lee are 100% Bucky free, but his memory lingers in the thoughts and flashbacks of the reanimated Captain America. Starting with Avengers #4, when Cap is rescued by The Avengers!

In the 1970’s Roy Thomas and Marvel launched “The Invaders,” showcasing the World War 2 exploits of Captain America, Bucky, Namor, and the Golden Age heroes from this time period. Bucky will consistently interact with the Invaders throughout Marvel history, and the team comes up in modern comics as well.

Ed Brubaker Winter Soldier Comics Begin!

In the mid-2000’s, Ed Brubaker left DC Comics, and some fine work on Batman to take over Captain America for Marvel. Brubaker and artist Steve Epting reinvigorated the title, and frankly the entire Marvel Universe, with the Winter Soldier saga. The entire lengthy run is fantastic, but it all begins here. This marks the launch of Bucky as Marvel Comics and MCU fans know him today.

Bucky is largely absent from the actual Civil War event, which focuses more closely on Steve Rogers, Captain America. The fallout from Civil War will lead to major changes for the Winter Soldier, though.

Siege effectively marks the culmination of Marvel Universe events beginning with 2004’s Avengers Disassembled, and makes the rest of the Marvel Universe aware Bucky is no longer the only Captain America running around.

Return To The Winter Soldier

Ed Brubaker’s time on Captain America and Bucky comes to a close with the absurdly excellent solo Winter Soldier series. Bucky relinquishes the Captain America title, and returns to his life as master of espionage.

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About Dave

Dave is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Comic Book Herald, and also the Boss of assigning himself fancy titles. He's a long-time comic book fan, and can be seen most evenings in Batman pajama pants. Contact Dave @comicbookherald on Twitter or via email at dave@comicbookherald.com.